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Lack of European football is driving force behind Arsenal's season, says David Moyes

West Ham suffered a 2-1 loss to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, and David Moyes believes the Gunners' lack of European football this season gave them the edge.

Despite sitting in the top four for much of the 2021/22 season, West Ham's Champions League hopes solely lie with their Europa League success this season.
That's because the Hammers suffered a 13th loss of the season on Sunday that's left David Moyes' side in seventh, 11 points adrift from the top four.
Their loss against Arsenal came just three days after their crucial Europa League tie against Frankfurt on Thursday night, and the fatigue was starting to show in West Ham's squad.
Following the defeat, West Ham boss David Moyes suggested that Arsenal only having to play league fixtures has hugely helped their position in the Premier League.
"My goodness, it's made a difference for them from day one," Moyes said.
"Arsenal's improvement this year has been incredible because probably not being involved in Europe has given them the chance to prepare correctly for games.
"They had a bit of a slow start to the season, but they've been in terrific form all season. It's just as well when you have a young team and are trying to get a good enough squad together.
"Last season Arsenal got to the semi-finals of the Europa League and it became quite a difficult season for them because of that. We're in it this year so we're a bit the same."
For Moyes, all focus now turns towards the second leg of their Europa League clash this Thursday, which his side currently trails 2-1.
If West Ham are able to turn around the tie and beat Frankfurt on Thursday, a place in the final against either Rangers or RB Leipzig awaits them.

Moyes is aware that West Ham's season now hinges on their success in Europe, and the Scot is looking for the best way to help his side prepare.

"Of course we've got another chance to get into Europe a different way and we're going to try and do that as well," Moyes said.
"But the only thing in my head at the moment is this game and how we try to get rid of it and get ready for Thursday.
"Let's just hope we can get those little things that are going against us at the moment to turn because we need that."

READ MORE: 'We won ugly', Mikel Arteta left unsatisfied despite Arsenal win over West Ham

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